Border Patrol’s Gregory Bovino to Retire, Sources Say

Two officials from the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) confirmed to NBC News that Gregory Bovino, the former head of the Border Patrol, will retire by the end of the month. Bovino, who had been leading national immigration enforcement efforts under President Donald Trump, was recently shifted back to his role as sector chief in El Centro, California, after stepping down as CBP’s top commander in January.

The decision to remove Bovino from his national post followed the deaths of two U.S. citizens during aggressive operations in Minneapolis, Chicago, and Los Angeles. Renee Good and Alex Pretti, both aged 37, were killed by federal officers as part of Bovino’s crackdowns. His retirement coincides with the final day of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem’s tenure, as he had previously reported directly to Noem and her advisor Corey Lewandowski.

Bovino, 56, was nearing the mandatory retirement age of 57 for CBP. An internal email revealed his frustration in Chicago during the fall, when he was directed to focus on “targeted” arrests instead of “full scale immigration enforcement.” CBS News first reported his retirement plans. Earlier, Bovino had been pulled from Minneapolis in January after overseeing Operation Metro Surge, which led to the deaths of Good and Pretti.

Controversial Tactics and Legal Challenges

Bovino’s enforcement style, including the use of gas canisters in protest crowds, sparked legal action. A federal judge criticized him for repeatedly misrepresenting the threat posed by immigrants and protesters, even after video evidence disproved his claims. In one instance, he alleged he threw a canister in response to being hit by a rock, but the incident was later shown to be fabricated.

Before his national role, Bovino faced a lawsuit in Kern County, California, where his agents allegedly targeted agricultural workers based on appearance and skin color. The case also accused officials of using deceptive methods to encourage voluntary departures. Similar tactics were later deployed in New Orleans, Charlotte, and other parts of North Carolina.

During his time in Los Angeles, Bovino’s agents conducted mass arrests at workplaces and residences, including a dramatic operation in the Fashion District where officers emerged from a rental truck to detain day laborers. The move triggered widespread protests and prompted Trump to deploy the National Guard and Marines.

“When we discover any alleged or potential misconduct, we immediately refer it for investigation and cooperate fully with any criminal or administrative investigations,” said a Department of Homeland Security spokesperson, responding to prior questions about the lawsuit.

CBP, which includes the Border Patrol, has been linked to these enforcement strategies under Trump’s administration. The agency is currently transitioning leadership as Bovino prepares to step down, marking the end of his tenure as a central figure in the immigration enforcement efforts.